March 18, 2020 - Here are the latest news updates regarding the coronavirus, public safety, office closings and more.
The Virginia Department of Health
AS of Wednesday, March 18, there were 67 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, with 14 on the Peninsula, around the Williamsburg area. To lower the risk of spreading germs, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages you to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
For information and updates, go to http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ or call 757-594-7069 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week. If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor or personal healthcare provider immediately. If it is life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
The City of Hampton
Mayor Donnie Tuck, City Manager Mary Bunting and a representative from the Peninsula Health District will take part in a Facebook Live event at 7 p. m. Wednesday, March 18, to talk about the coronavirus and Hampton’s response. The Treasurer’s office, meanwhile, can now accept tax payments by telephone as well as online.
All City Offices
As a reminder, all city offices, facilities, playgrounds, recreation centers, and libraries are closed to the public through at least Sunday, March 29. All essential services remain available. The goal is to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). While city offices are closed, residents are encouraged to use online or telephone systems. Hampton is also installing dropboxes outside City Hall, 22 Lincoln St., where residents can submit applications, plans, and other documents. Public Works will continue to pick up trash and recycling as scheduled.
Human Services (Social Services)
Residents can contact Hampton’s Department of Human Services by calling the main number at 757-727-1800.
Treasurer’s Office
Residents can go online to pay taxes at https://hampton.virginiainteractive.org/Account/Login. While the Treasurer’s Office is closed to the public, Hampton is waiving the $1 fee for online transactions:
- To drop off payments, there is a box outside the Ruppert Sargent building at the corner of Franklin Street and Queens Way
- To mail payments, send to Hampton Treasurer, PO Box 638, Hampton, VA 23669
- To pay by phone with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American express or Discover) call 877-277-6341. The phone system will require the customer to have an account number for personal property and an RPC number for real estate. If a customer needs an account number or their RPC number they can call 757-727-6374.
DMV Select and passport services at the Treasurer’s Office have been suspended.
Community Development
Hampton’s online permit and inspection center lets you go online to apply for permits, request inspections, check the status of your inspection request and pay associated fees 24 hours a day from any computer or mobile device. The city is working on a plan that would allow residents to use a drop box outside of City Hall for the submission of other documents and applications.
Fire, Police
Both Fire and Police continue to respond to emergency and other calls 24 hours a day, although they are trying to maintain "social distancing" whenever possible. Some non-emergency calls may be delayed or handled differently to ensure the safety of the public and city personnel.
Parks and Recreation
While all Parks buildings are closed to the public through at least March 29 – including community centers golf courses – city beaches and outside parks remain open and available to the public. Residents are reminded to practice “social distancing” and stay six feet away from each other.
Courts
The State Supreme Court has closed all circuit and district courts except for emergencies, through at least April 6.
Cancellations
All city events scheduled through March have been canceled or postponed.
Statewide
Gov. Ralph Northam has announced measures to aid workers and employers affected by the disease, suspended evictions, and is directing utilities to suspend disconnections. See https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/march/headline-854487-en.html for details. The state is also allowing anyone to vote absentee by mail for the May 5 local elections. See https://hampton.gov/263/Voter-Registrar for instructions.
Questions about a city service not answered here? Call the department listing on hampton.gov or call 757-727-8311.